Helio Fin (Samsung SPH-a513) Cell Phone Review - Value & Comparisons
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Alfredo Padilla Published on August 29, 2007 Comment on this |
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Value (6.0)
The Fin is available from Helio for as little as $175 with a two-year contract. Out of contract it will cost you $365. Given that the Fin packs many high-end features, including a decent camera (for a cell phone), GPS, and an integrated messaging client, we feel like it's a good value at the two-year contract price.
Comparisons
Sanyo Katana DLX - The Katana DLX is the "high end" version of the Katana lineup, with music playback capabilities and expandable memory. Despite it's "deluxe" moniker, the DLX is basically a mid range handset. In contrast the Fin offers high-end features that aren't found on the DLX, like GPS and a 3-megapixel camera, and for not that much more. It's also much better constructed than the DLX, which makes it our pick in this match-up.
LG Chocolate VX8550 - The Chocolate is a music-oriented handset with nice styling, provides similar functionality except for the Fin's much better camera and built in GPS. It's also available for around $100 less than the Fin, which will please those looking to limit their handset cost. Unless you desperately want an improved camera and GPS functionality, the Chocolate is probably the way to go.
Nokia N75 - The N75 is a Symbian Series 60 smart phone that provides much more power under the hood than the Helio Fin. Unfortunately, the N75 is let down by a significantly worse battery performance than the Fin (and the Fin is not hot stuff in this area), and a very poor camera. We can't imagine recommending the N75 to anyone, so the Fin wins out here.
Nokia N73 - Unlike its Series 60 cousin the N75, the N73 is one of the most well rounded handsets we've reviewed. Its 3.2-megapixel auto-focus camera performs significantly better than the Fin's, and it also has better battery life. To be fair, however, it's also not a 3G handset, so browsing speeds are limited to the slower EDGE connection. Speaking of browsing, the N73's browser provides a much better experience than the Fin's, and it also handles duty as a multimedia device as well as the Fin. It lacks the Fin's GPS functionality, however, and because it is unavailable from any carrier you will need to pay between three and four hundred dollars for the N73.
Sprint Upstage - Another Samsung handset, the Upstage has an intruiging dual-sided design that can be annoying to use at times and lacks higher-end features found on the Fin, like GPS functionality and a high resolution camera. Battery life on the Upstage is better than the Fin's as long as you use the included battery wallet, which adds considerable bulk to the Upstage. Without the battery wallet the Fin performs better. If you're looking for a truly unique phone the Upstage might be for you, but overall we like the Fin better.
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